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Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

OK, so I have the bottles and the formula … now what? 

Re: OK, so I have the bottles and the formula … now what? 

The Bump Expert

Pretty soon you’ll be a natural, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at first. Before baby arrives, sterilize your bottles and nipples by immersing them in boiling water for 5 minutes. After this, you can wash in hot, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher -- no need to re-sterilize after each use.

In the morning, before bed, or just after a feeding, prepare a bottle or two so they’ll be standing and ready. Follow the instructions on the package and then store in the refrigerator. You probably don’t need to use sterilized water for mixing, but check with your pediatrician to be sure.

When it’s time for a feeding, warm the bottle. Use a machine made especially for the purpose, or fill a container with hot (not boiling) water and set the bottle in it for a few minutes. Never use the microwave -- it heats unevenly, which can be dangerous. Eventually, you may want to accustom baby to enjoying his meals at room temperature or even cold. That saves you a step!

Once his meal is ready, hold baby on your lap with his head elevated. Tilt the bottle so that the nipple is full -- otherwise your baby will swallow air, which could make him uncomfortable (and cranky!)

Paula Kashtan | May 07 , 2009 2:46 PM

re: Q: Bottle feeding basics?

we have heated the bottles in the microwave for about 12 sec--just to take the chill off of them...but then shake it thoroughly. That will dispense any overheated spots with cooler spots

mommy42115 | August 20 , 2008 11:00 AM

re: Q: Bottle feeding basics?

Use those formula checks for $5.00 to buy the premade formula in cans which cost about $5.76--you just paid $0.76 for formula, then buy the store brand for half the price of Enfamil/Similac

mommy42115 | August 20 , 2008 11:06 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

When you microwave the formula, you kill the vitamins! I would sit them in hot water.

skirtley | August 15 , 2010 12:05 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

we microwave just the water in the bottle for 12 sec, it's the perfect temp! Then add the formula, and shake thoroughly. Test it on your inner wrist before EVER giving it to baby. This does not kill the vitamins and is perfectly safe.

angela.mehaffie | September 28 , 2010 2:02 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Breast feed. It is better for the baby and always the right temperature. It is full of the perfect ratio of vitamins, liquid, fat and essential nutrients with the added bonus of antibodies specially made for your baby by your body. Breast-milk is the perfect food for your infant.

hanako37 | December 19 , 2010 11:21 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Ummmm some moms can't breastfeed for medical reasons and i am tired of being pushed into thinking that breastfeeding is the only way to go. I was never breastfed (mom's milk did not come in at all) and I was NEVER sick as a baby or young child. I had high intelligence throughout my life and had a very happy childhood. Bottle feeding is great and actually has more nutrients than breastmilk. Besides, you don't drink unpasturized milk so why are we so pushy to give unpasturized milk to infants? You can pass on your infections to your infant through breastmilk. I am tired of only hearing the "positive" things about breastmilk and none of the negative.

sdarjean | February 22 , 2011 1:58 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

thank u for that! im so tired of the pushing too! i was fine as a baby and i was formula fed....i worked in the child care system and if u put the bottle under RUNNING hot water it warms the bottle up faster than just sitting it in hot water....

20mantha06 | March 01 , 2011 3:11 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

sdarjean: You are not as intelligent as you claim to be if you honestly think that unpasturized milk from the mother is bad for a baby. Thank you for the good laugh though. You really need to do more research before posting such ridiculous comments. When the baby nurses from the mother, the mother is able to make the perfect antibodies for the baby and give them back to them the next time they nurse. Breastmilk is truly amazing. Formula is second best- even the formula manufacturers acknowledge this. Breastfeeding is also an amazing bond with your baby that can't be explained unless you experience it yourself. There is no arguing the fact that breastfeeding is superior to formula feeding. If you can try it, you should. If you can't for medical or other reasons, then formula, but breast is best.

hammoncl | March 02 , 2011 9:29 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I agree that breastmilk is the best, and i did it for as long as i could. However, after trying everything I could, my LO wouldn't latch on and I couldn't pump enough to keep up with her needs. We switched to formula and she is growing normal and healthy. In my situation not only did I have to cope with the fact that my body couldn't physically provide for my daughter, I was being told that was I doing what was 2nd best. It is very hard to hear, as a first time mother, that you are not doing what is "best" for your child. I got over it, but it still bugs me that the comments from those who are breastfeeding (and I am very happy that you can do so) are so condesending. Like you stand so much higher than us who use formula. I understand that "breast is the best", but please respect the decisions of those who choose formula or don't have a choice.

LeahP06 | March 02 , 2011 3:48 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I completely agree with Leah P! To those who have been able to successfully breastfeed, kudos to you, but please also realize that some of us mothers struggle with medical challenges which puts us in the difficult position on having to decide between: continue trying to breastfeed (which we all know is best) but may risk my child not getting enough nutrition OR bottle feed and know that my child is getting the best nutrittion I can provide for him at this time. My son is a week old and I have beat myself up over the last week and strugged so hard with the fact that my body is not doing what God intended it to do for my child...please try to imagine yourself in someone else's shoes before you judge. Deciding not to breastfeed is not an easy decision and not one made lightly by all mothers who choose to bottle feed.

semperfismiths | March 05 , 2011 9:33 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I respect most of the opinions that have been offered by you ladies. We do know that breast is best, but there are challenges for many mothers out there. I know a variety of women who were unable to breastfeed for various reasons and their children are thriving! However, I also know of many women that don't even try to breastfeed because they think it's "weird" for one reason or another. I don't believe that any mother should feel put off by breastfeeding, as it is undeniably the best option for baby...when it's available. If, for medical reasons, breastfeeding is not an option for you, then giving formula to your baby IS the best choice. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I'm in the opposite conundrum to most of the mothers who have posted here. I have been breastfeeding my 3 month old and have recently returned to work. My daughter now wants NOTHING to do with a bottle...even though I'm pumping my breastmilk. We have tried it at a variety of temperatures, but she just won't "suck" on the rubber nipples. This has been an extreme challenge and it seems that there are very few resources out there to deal with such an issue. Does anyone have any ideas?

allokar | March 07 , 2011 1:23 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Breasts were made to feed babies. That is why breast feeding is pushed and so positive. Breast were not made for porn and sex! Breast milk is easier on a babies belly. Its not made in a factory. Yes some mothers cant nurse. But those who can and do... it is nice. It is easy... no bottles to clean/pack.... And if you have an infection or disease you can pass then be smart enough to not breast feed. Breast feeding is not a negative thing for your child. our boby make anitbodies in the milk to protect the child from colds/flu....If the mother eats healthy its a great thing for the baby. Its an amazing thing what a female's body can do. And the best thing about breast feeding is shedding the weight with out trying! My baby has belly aches and gas... he spits up a lot when he has formula its harder for them to digest. He has no problem with baby food or with breast milk. Formula wont hurt your baby...but Everyone makes their own decisions on whats best for them. But theres no way anyone can argue breast milk being bad for a baby or nursing is not the best. God wouldnt have made boobs that produce milk for a baby if it wasnt the way it was meant to be. I have gone back to work and have been producing less milk and it is hard because you feel bad. I would imagine not being able to breast feed when you want to would be hard. Those who cant nurse... your not hurting your child giving them formula ur not a bad mom for doing that. I dont know why ppl argue over this and try to make other moms feel like they are a step down for not nursing. Its a personal choice.

slnulf | March 14 , 2011 11:24 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I usually don't comment on these, but I'm glad to hear some women defending those of us who have had to resort to formula. Even if it's not a medical reason, sometimes the challenges of breastfeeding cause so much stress that changing to formula is a relief and keeps the mom sane. I had such an experience... I was in SO MUCH pain and the stress of feeding had me literally banging my head against a wall. When you've got all those hormones going crazy and you're not getting any sleep on top of everything else, sometimes "what's best for mama is what's best for baby." I felt horrible about giving my daughter formula but I've gotten over it for the most part. I still miss nursing from time to time but overall, for my sanity's sake, it was what I had to do.

claripossum | March 17 , 2011 12:01 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Going to add that part of it was that I did get lazy about pumping (I couldn't nurse on one side for a while because the damage to my skin was really bad, so I was combo pumping and nursing) and my supply tanked as a result. Just to acknowledge that it was partly my fault.

claripossum | March 17 , 2011 12:03 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I honestly dont think it really matters, if you breastfeed good for you, if you bottle feed good for you, as long as your feeding your baby, thats all that matters. Many moms cant breastfeed for physical reasons, baby reasons and work reasons. All that matters is your baby is healthy and gaining weight. So aslong as your babys healthy and happy your feeding them the right way.

sammommytobe | March 21 , 2011 11:38 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I can't believe there are people on here badmouthing other mothers for not breastfeeding. I am physically incapable of breastfeeding due to a breast reduction. My milk ducts were severed during the surgery. So am I a horrible mother for not being able to breastfeed my child?? Absolutely not. You people need to respect other womens choices. You have a right to your opinion, but the condescending attitude is completely inappropriate (hammoncl)!!!

christinaramirez08 | March 30 , 2011 2:33 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I totally agree with sammommytobe!! I am a pediatric nurse, as long as your feeding your baby and the baby is growing it doesn't matter if its breast or formula!! You do what's best for the family unit!

lkozuki@gmail.com | March 30 , 2011 11:14 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

This may sound dumb but I'm actually confused on HOW to properly bottle feed my 10 week old. I'm lucky that I'm able to breastfeed but I'll be returning to work soon. I've been pumping to build a supply but it's slow going. So far, hubby and I have given the baby 3 bottles. Two attempts were successful but she GULPED them down. We use the Tommee Tippee bottles. She did not have any issues with swallowing too much air - I'm very concerned about colic, or nipple confusion. But, is it normal for a baby to drink a bottle in <2 minutes?="" the="" bottles="" are="" only="" about="" 2="" oz.="" (that's="" what="" i'm="" able="" to="" pump.)="" or="" should="" i="" try="" another="" bottle="" type?="" i="" have="" dr.="" brown's="" and="" evenflo="" too.="" she="" was="" fine="" after="" each="" bottle="" (ie="" after="" a="" little="" distraction="" she="" was="" not="" hungry="" for="" more).="" i="" think="" her="" stomach="" and="" brain="" just="" have="" to="" get="" used="" to="" the="" quickness.="" any="" thoughts="" or="" advice="" are="" greatly="" appreciated!="">

se_richter | March 31 , 2011 9:25 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Se Richter, when my baby was 10 weeks 3-4 ounces of pumped milk per feeding was what she wanted/needed (she is average size). She also drinks bottles very fast - a bottle nipple is easier than the boob. But she may be going through 2 ounces really quick partly because she is hungry for more. You could try mixing just a little formula with your pumped milk for a full feeding if you are not pumping much. My baby never had any nipple confusion issues and we were mixing bottle and breast from birth. Some babies do experience it, but she will most likely be fine at her age! I am breastfeeding but am very tired of other mother's "breast is best" pushiness. My milk took 4 days to kind-of come in and I went against the hospital lactation consultants' advice and supplemented with formula for the first month until my supply was strong. But I had a major post-partum breakdown at one week because of the "stigma" against formula feeding - I felt like I was betraying my child. But, baby was full and finally happy and I was so relieved! Now I am having to supplement a little here and there because I went back to work and baby is out-eating what I can pump. But, I know she is fine and so am I. I also have every confidence she would still be the perfect baby she is if breastfeeding had not worked out. So, hang in there new mommies - try your best if you are able to breastfeed, but don't beat yourself up if you have to pop open the formula.

kwbd | April 02 , 2011 7:38 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I breastfed my first daughter, and didn't produce enough milk. I had to supplement. With my new daughter, I tried to breast feed, but she had so bad of colic and gas, I was in tears watching her cry and trying to solve it. I stopped eating certain foods, I stopped drinking or eating any dairy. If I found out that something caused gas in an infant, I stopped eating/drinking it. Finally we tried a soy sensitive formula, and she has had very few problems. It was a decision between mom and daughter not happy and both of us happy and a little more broke. I chose the latter and it has worked so much better for us. Please do not judge me or others for not using breast milk. I was formula fed. and have an IQ of 3 points less than genius. My mother and I are best friends. The stigma that causes breast feeding women to behave as if they are better or more superior needs to stop. We are all moms, wanting what is best, Act like it. As to the question put by one where they were having trouble getting their child to use a bottle, the way I had to do it is to let my husband feed my daughter the bottle without me anywhere near. Once she had it in her head that if it isn't mama, then it's a bottle, she took to it. If she is hungry enough, she will eat from the bottle. Just be patient, and give her no other options during that time. Also, it will give an opportunity for your husband to bond with your child. Good luck allokar! I hope it helps.

zellasgirl | April 10 , 2011 3:01 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

fyi breastmilk is sterile. no need to pastuerize. i think it's unfortunate that there is a lot of misinformation about breastfeeding and a lot of women are sent home from the hospital with their babies not knowing enough about it and they end up giving up for one reason or another. unless the milk just doesn't come in, most breastfeeding problems can be fixed. i know, i've faced them all. from latching issues, supply issues, insufficient weight gain from my son, just about everything! and it has all been fixed. however, i can understand why people quit. it's hard! especially if you go back to work. some women can pump all day but not express as much as your baby needs. maybe this sounds rude, but oh well. i think all the breastfeeding mothers should recieve an extra pat on the back. it's a lot of sacrifice, and even though i love it, some days i cant wait until this year is up.

ebennett1 | May 02 , 2011 10:56 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

christinaremirez08: The only mother I was badmouthoing was the ignorant mom (sdarjean) who stated breastfeedling was BAD for babies because the milk was not pasteurized. I guess you overlooked that post? I never stated anyone was horrible not to breastdfeed, I was simply pointing out the benefits of breastfeedling, as sdarjean had been clearly misinformed. If you need to bottle feed for WHATEVER reason, that's wonderful, but don't try to justify it by stating incorrect facts about breastfeeding.

hammoncl | May 03 , 2011 8:57 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I think we're all being a bit to touchy and dramatic over this whole issue. This posting board is supposed to help new mothers learn techniques from people who have already gone through/are going through the same problems and dilemmas. I gave my son formula once during his first month too, and I felt bad. But I had a glass of wine that night and didn't want to get him drunk! haha. But, after a 4 oz bottle he was still hungry. So I let him nurse and he went straight to sleep. I wish they would tell you this in the hospital, but you should start using the pacifier and bottle early. Like one week old, so that they get used to it. You're not replacing your boob with a bottle. I think the whole concept of "nipple confusion" is totally made up! They are smart enough to know what is a boob and what is a plastic nipple! But, now, after only ever drinking 4 bottles, my baby is 13 weeks and won't take a bottle. Whether it's breastmilk, formula, warm, cold, from mom or dad, or a stranger: nothing! He cries until he's hyperventilating and I have to run to the rescue because my husband is about to explode of frustration. Any tips for introducing a bottle to a stubborn baby? I have not gone back to work, so I am just trying to make it easier for me to leave the house for a few hours at a time to go to the gym or grocery store without having to bring the baby and stop on the side of the road to nurse if he gets hungry!

minckley | May 14 , 2011 1:40 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Hi, I am a first time mom. My LO is almost 3 weeks and I switched her from Similac Advanced liquid formula to Enfamil Newborn powder . I noticed the first day LO was more gassy . Did anyone else LO experience this when formulas are switched? She is not crying or fussy. I just want to make sure I'm not doing somethig wrong as far as her formula.

NSMITH6236 | June 11 , 2011 9:45 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I have this thing called a Bababib it makes feeding way easy with a bootle. It's a bib that holds the bottle with an elastic strap. there cheap too. Bababibs

lizzyjacobs | June 13 , 2011 6:05 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

a doctor will tell you the best thing to do is breastfeeding. But just because its the best thing for baby may not mean its the best thing for mom. I started out breastfeeding my baby up until he was about a month old. His appetite was too much to handle so I had to stop. Thankfully I have now tho, cuz at 2 months old he has already cut two teeth!!!!!

whitwhit95 | August 23 , 2011 1:42 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

My LO is almost 3 months old and receives both breast milk and formula (Emfamil Newborn). We introduced a bottle to her when she was about 4 wks old so that she would be able to drink from a bottle (filled with either breast milk or formula) if needed. I think it is important to give your baby an occasional bottle because eventually you will have to miss a feeding (going back to work, date night, etc). I have found that Emfamil makes my LO a little more gassy and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for another formula. The gas doesn't upset her, but I didn't know if there was maybe a better option. We have also tried the Emfamil Gentlesse (sp?) and she hated the taste and wouldn't drink the bottle! I started introducing formula because my LO wants to nurse every 1 to 1.5 hrs and spits up a ton with each breastfeeding and is fussy. My MIL suggested trying formula so we tried the Emfamil we got as a free sample and she spits up far less and seem more content and happy. Has anyone else had a baby that spits up more/is more fussy with breast milk? I thought it would be the opposite! Both my hubby and I were formula fed and have great immune systems so I'm not so concerned about having some feedings being formula. I commend those who can exclusively breastfeed but what if your baby tolerates formula better? As for the bonding, I've never felt any difference between bottle feeding or breastfeeding. I hate all the hype and pressure that surrounds breastfeeding. I think as a mom, you know what's best for your baby and as long as their needs are met and your baby is gaining weight, then all is good!

juliwebb24 | September 15 , 2011 9:35 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Not all mothers are able or willing to breastfeed their babies. For them there are a lot of choices when it comes to bottle feeding. I have chosen a soy baby formula that I consider to be the most balanced and nourishing product I was able to find. After making the right mix, you have to bring the formula to the body's temperature, it mustn't be too cold or too hot.

JonahClint | September 19 , 2011 7:39 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Breastfeeding or bottle feeding....whatever your choice and your reasoning is that- yours. Both are good for baby and there are pros and cons for both as well. Lighten up.

staceyponczek | September 21 , 2011 7:53 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Lively discussion HOWEVER, I still need some help with getting my baby to take a bottle. I am pumping now to help build a supply. We've tried 6 different types of bottles. We tried to have other people feed him. Nothing works! What do I do?

amykeller88 | September 21 , 2011 9:48 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Moms, can you not fight and make this like youtube? Were better than that. I was reading this in hopes to inform myself on bottle and breastfeeding because I am pregnant and this is my first child. Im not sure on how to do all this and hope I can make myself ready. Thanks for all the great answers by the way. :) you are all very helpful.

LilyFloresLloyd | September 25 , 2011 12:14 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

I agree! This is not the place for a debate on breast vs. bottle feeding...it is a personal decision and what works for one mom may not work for another. Let's focus on making these postings what they are meant for...helping new moms find the answers to their questions and concerns. I have breastfed my daughter since day 1 and we were very lucky that she took to it so naturally. Since she was in the NICU for 5 days after birth, the nurses gave her a bottle for a couple days until my milk came in. She still gets a bottle once a day that contains her vitamin D and so daddy can have his quality feeding time too. I will be going back to work in 3 weeks so she will soon need to have more than 1 bottle per day, hopefully all pumped breastmilk but if I can't keep up with her demand we'll have to include formula in the mix too. Have you tried a faster flow nipple on any of your bottles? The newborn slow-flow nipples may not allow your baby to get the milk as fast as they would like. Every mom's situation is different...please give each other a break. It's hard enough being a new mom...it's important to support each other. Good luck!

JenniferTom | October 12 , 2011 11:47 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

In less than a month I have to go back to work and my son still will not take a bottle. My boobs will be at work and he will be at the sitter-- what will he do? Go hungry? What do I need to do to teach him how to use a bottle? We've tried different people feeding him, we tried different bottles, we tried spoon feeding him breastmilk, we tried different formulas (he spits up at the taste), we tried warm and cold, we've squirted it into his mouth--but he just won't latch onto a bottle and suck. How do I bottle feed a baby?

amykeller88 | October 19 , 2011 12:48 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Wasn't this post on how to bottle feed a baby and not a question on how to make a mother feel like crap? Leave the bottle feeders alone! I'm choosing to bottle feed for very selfish reasons - 1. my breast to me are sexual and to think of a baby on them grosses me out - and that's not something I can shake from my mind and 2. I am a working mother so it's incredibly hard to pump and go to work all day. So.. if you wan't to pick on someone.. go ahead. It's each mother's choice and as long as you aren't putting SODA in your kids bottle, your a good mother!!!

Jmollo28 | November 28 , 2011 2:40 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

My little peanut is due in March. Although I could breast feed and have no medical reasons keeping me from doing so, I am choosing NOT to do so for my own reasons. As long as I keep my peanut well fed and happy I don't think it matters, and I don't think anyone needs to tell me what I *should* be doing. I've read the benefits of breast, and the benefits of bottle, as well as the negatives for both, and my decision is my own. I take people suggestions at how I should feed my baby the same way I take their name suggestions - I smile, I nod, I say "that's an idea", but ultimately my husband and I will do what works for us.

MamaNet01 | December 09 , 2011 3:03 PM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

The doctor recommended me to sterilize my baby's bottles once a week in order to be sure that they are free of any bacteria or germ. Also he told me to mix the infant formula with sterilized water and to warm it in a special machine as the microwave is contraindicated in this case.

AnandaRocker | January 09 , 2012 6:37 AM

Q&A: How to bottle feed baby?

Far too much negativity in this post and I apologize to mothers who cannot or choose not to breastfeed. We get enough of this in every day life when it comes to every aspect of parenting not just how we feed our children and forums like these should be a place to come and feel welcomed, get BOTH sides of each story but not to be judged. My baby had nipple confusion and I chose to pump breast milk instead of forcing my daughter to breastfeed, she is an extremely happy baby, she sleeps very well at night and still gets breast milk. That being said, I do give her formula when I need to (generally during growth spurts) and I do not feel bad for doing it. I do what I need to do for my daughter, her screaming made her have horrible gas and I chose to do what was best for my daughter!

HFJ | January 31 , 2012 9:33 AM